Are the four lines in hockey setup in order of talent which of the two defensive pairings are the lines paired up with and can one player sub in or out or does it have to be a whole line?

Answer 1

== == The head coach sets the forward lines before each game, based on a number of factors, such as injuries, who has been "hot" and who has not been playing well. You want to have at least 3 lines that can score and forecheck well, and one that is better at "killing penalties" amd playing a defensive posture. Most pro teams carry 6 defensemen, so that gives them 3 pairs to work with. Line changes are done on the fly, during play, ot at a stoppage of play. The "home team" gets the last change, and when they are on the ice, the faceoff takes place. Usually a forward line is changed as a 3 man unit, as are the 2 defensemen, but a player who is injured may wave for an other guy to take his place quickly. Those who are coming onto the ice come OVER the boards, while the ones going off go thru the two gates at either end of the player's' bench. Changes have to be done "right" or the team may be called for "too many men on the ice" which is a 2 minute penalty.